Assembly District 138: Harry B. Bronson

Democrat Harry Bronson's move from the Monroe County Legislature to the state Assembly was almost seamless. More important, as a member of the majority he has found a way to put his knowledge and leadership skills to work.

Bronson is the Democrat and Chronicle's choice in the Nov. 6 general election.

He is opposed by Republican Peterson A. Vazquez, a former city resident and high school dropout who is making his first foray into politics. As someone who enlisted in the military and later earned a college degree, Vazquez impressed this page with his strong belief that education provides the path out of poverty for urban youths. Such passion would lend itself to service on the school board in Henrietta, where he lives.

Bronson, who as minority leader in the Monroe County Legislature seldom influenced legislation, found himself playing a key role in the Assembly's support for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's agenda over the past two years. Bronson takes pride, for example, in his votes for marriage equality, helping close two huge state budget gaps and ethics reform.

He described joining the ranks of majority Democrats in the state Assembly as a "180 degree turn."

Having been frozen out of the process in the GOP-controlled county Legislature for years, Bronson should be more prone to judge legislation on its merits, rather than on the sponsor's party affiliation. He must now resist becoming entrenched.